Departments

Working to be the most livable city in the country means placing a high priority on providing excellent customer service. In all 12 municipal departments, our goal is to be responsive, transparent, and accountable.
– Mayor David Bieter

Boise Police Department
News Release

Rescue Equipment Stolen from Fire Truck

09-14-11 Rescue Equipment Stolen from Fire Truck

Boise, Sept. 14, 2011 - Boise Police and
Boise Firefighters are asking the public's
help in finding the man responsible for stealing valuable and
specialized rescue equipment from inside the cab of a Boise Fire
Engine last night. Firefighters were responding to a medical
emergency at a Boise bench apartment complex when the theft
occurred.

What Happened:Tuesday night, Sept. 13th
at 9:40 p.m., Boise Firefighters on Engine 8 were responding to
help a heart attack victim inside the complex on the 5700 blk. of
Marvin Lane just northeast of W. Overland and S. Curtis Roads.
Firefighters were away from the engine for about five minutes
assisting the patient. When they returned, a large red backpack,
identical to the one pictured, was missing from inside the cab of
Engine 8. The engine was parked in the lot in front of the
apartment complex at the time.

Suspect: A witness saw the theft and
called police. Officers arrived moments later and searched the area
but did not find the backpack or the suspect. The witness described
the suspect as a man who appeared young, possibly in his early
20's, with no shirt on. The witness told officers the young man had
reached into the fire engine, took the backpack which weighed about
45 pounds, and ran off toward the large apartment complex.

Stolen Rescue Gear:The backpack, brand
name LA Rescue, contained specialized rescue gear valued at approx.
$1,500. The gear is used by members of the Boise Fire Department
Technical Rescue Team and includes a rescue harness, a helmet with
a headlamp, carabiners, blue rain jacket and black rain pants,
white with brown striped gloves, safety goggles, elbow and knee
pads, a radio chest pouch, a Leatherman Wave tool, and an air
purifying respirator. Firefighters use the gear for high angle
rescues and rappeling such as those off cliffs or high
buildings.

"Hollywood Walker":The gear that was
stolen (not similar, but the same items) was used by the Boise
Firefighter who helped make a spectacular rescue in the Spring of
2006. The firefighter was lowered from the roof of a BoDo hotel
March 15, 2006 to rescue a construction worker stranded and
dangling 11 stories above the ground. Because of media coverage of
the rescue, firefighters nicknamed the team member "Hollywood". The
name "Hollywood Walker" is inside the red backpack.

Crime Stoppers:Anyone with information
on who may be responsible for the theft is urged to contact Crime
Stoppers at 343-COPS, or log onto www.343cops.com, or text CRIMES
or 274637, subject: Tip236. A citizen can remain anonymous. A
reward of up to $1,000 is offered by Crime Stoppers for information
leading to the arrest of criminal suspects.